Zanzibar Island has an international reputation for romantic beach holidays. However, the Island is also equally popular for East African cultural safaris. Some areas in Zanzibar such as the house of wonders, the streets of old stone town, the Arab fort, the people's palace, and Dr. Livingstone's house are favorite with visitors on a cultural tour on the Island.
The unique culture and history of Zanzibar bears varied influence from invaders and traders of the past, including the Omani Arabs, the Portuguese, and the English. Some cultural events in the Island portray this amazing fusion of different ethnic groups. These include the Zanzibar international film festival, the Persian new year celebrations " also known as Mwaka Kogwa " and Sauti za busara festivities.
Sauti za Busara, Swahili for sounds of wisdom, is East Africa's premier music and cultural festival showcasing the best Swahili speaking world has to offer. The event that is held every February in Stone Town's Old Fort sees the historical town becoming a beehive of activity. Sauti za Busara hosts bongo flava (a popular music genre in East Africa) stars, ngoma dancers, taarab orchestras and drumming troupes.
In Zanzibar Island's recent efforts to market itself as a global cultural tourism destination, Sauti za Busara is one of the key highlights. The event is popular with the local community as well as the many international visitors who attend. The festival accords local artists opportunity to meet and interact with each other, and in the process exchange ideas that trigger artistic creativity. The sixth edition of the event held from February 12th to 17th saw artists from many parts of the world attend. Performers came from as far as West Africa, Australia and Europe.
Every July, Zanzibar hosts one of East Africa's largest cultural events going by the name Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF). ZIFF presents an exciting and varied program of international film and videos, music, dance, drama and art exhibitions. In 2007, ZIFF celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The festival has continued to attract larger and larger crowds each year and gaining international prominence. ZIFF is especially giving a unique opportunity to preserve and promote understanding of culture from across the Dhow countries of Tanzania, India and Oman.
It is in the village of Makunduchi that another major cultural festival is held, that is the celebration of the Persian new year. Mwaka Kogwa festivities are colorful and full of pomp, fun, and rituals. Men participate in mock fights conducted with banana stems while women dress in their best attire and sing love songs, and songs about family and life in general. The mock fights signify doing away with any past disputes.
Traditionally, the key event of the festival is when participants burn down a hut to mark the end of the old year, and the beginning of a new one. The people believe that this guarantees the village's safety from fire throughout the year. It also purges evil amongst the land and its people. Much feasting, drumming, dancing and singing till dawn follow this ritual. The locals then extend great hospitality to everyone. It is believed that any resident who does not entertain a guest at that time will attract bad luck upon their household.
The above cultural festivities have earned Zanzibar an international reputation as a center for African cultural heritage. Getting to Zanzibar can be by sea or by air. Several international airlines operate flights to Zanzibar, including Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, and KLM (with Kenya Airways). Visitors can get scheduled and charter flights from Dar es Salaam, as well speed boats for a sea trip to Zanzibar. - 15615
The unique culture and history of Zanzibar bears varied influence from invaders and traders of the past, including the Omani Arabs, the Portuguese, and the English. Some cultural events in the Island portray this amazing fusion of different ethnic groups. These include the Zanzibar international film festival, the Persian new year celebrations " also known as Mwaka Kogwa " and Sauti za busara festivities.
Sauti za Busara, Swahili for sounds of wisdom, is East Africa's premier music and cultural festival showcasing the best Swahili speaking world has to offer. The event that is held every February in Stone Town's Old Fort sees the historical town becoming a beehive of activity. Sauti za Busara hosts bongo flava (a popular music genre in East Africa) stars, ngoma dancers, taarab orchestras and drumming troupes.
In Zanzibar Island's recent efforts to market itself as a global cultural tourism destination, Sauti za Busara is one of the key highlights. The event is popular with the local community as well as the many international visitors who attend. The festival accords local artists opportunity to meet and interact with each other, and in the process exchange ideas that trigger artistic creativity. The sixth edition of the event held from February 12th to 17th saw artists from many parts of the world attend. Performers came from as far as West Africa, Australia and Europe.
Every July, Zanzibar hosts one of East Africa's largest cultural events going by the name Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF). ZIFF presents an exciting and varied program of international film and videos, music, dance, drama and art exhibitions. In 2007, ZIFF celebrated its 10th anniversary.
The festival has continued to attract larger and larger crowds each year and gaining international prominence. ZIFF is especially giving a unique opportunity to preserve and promote understanding of culture from across the Dhow countries of Tanzania, India and Oman.
It is in the village of Makunduchi that another major cultural festival is held, that is the celebration of the Persian new year. Mwaka Kogwa festivities are colorful and full of pomp, fun, and rituals. Men participate in mock fights conducted with banana stems while women dress in their best attire and sing love songs, and songs about family and life in general. The mock fights signify doing away with any past disputes.
Traditionally, the key event of the festival is when participants burn down a hut to mark the end of the old year, and the beginning of a new one. The people believe that this guarantees the village's safety from fire throughout the year. It also purges evil amongst the land and its people. Much feasting, drumming, dancing and singing till dawn follow this ritual. The locals then extend great hospitality to everyone. It is believed that any resident who does not entertain a guest at that time will attract bad luck upon their household.
The above cultural festivities have earned Zanzibar an international reputation as a center for African cultural heritage. Getting to Zanzibar can be by sea or by air. Several international airlines operate flights to Zanzibar, including Air Mauritius, Ethiopian Airlines, Gulf Air, and KLM (with Kenya Airways). Visitors can get scheduled and charter flights from Dar es Salaam, as well speed boats for a sea trip to Zanzibar. - 15615
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The author works with Africapoint.com. Travel to Zanzibar Islands with Africa Point. Make online reservations for hotels and lodges in Zanzibar and flights to Zanzibar
